Comics

I read the entire book. I thought it was very interesting and I learned a lot from it. I enjoyed reading it, I think it is a great way to involve students especially those that find reading difficult. I think this type of book could help ELL students because they can get many detail from the drawings. A picture does speak a thousand words. I found myself reading chapter after chapter without any problems. I am glad we got to experience this type of reading. We should become aware of magna that the readers of today are so involved. Teachers need to use every tool available to strengthen readers' skills. Reading counts no matter the form that is explored by the reader.

Video Camera

Well we did it! We bought a video camera and hooked it up. We all got to talk and see our family members. They thought it was great. My mom was very excited and talked for 2 whole hours. It was nice to see each other. The only bad thing was that they had to pass around the earphones with the microphone attached. It was sad when my aunt told my mom that she wished she could hug her. Technology could not help that physical aspect, although it was better than just talking on the phone. My mom was sooo happy that she said she would try it again and again. So did my aunts, although this was the first experience for all of us. It was nice to see them and talk to them at the same time. It was less expensive too. My mom spends a lot of money on those phone cards. This will be a help in a variety of ways.

You Tube

I heard You Tube is getting sued. Nothing is safe from the legal system and lawyers. I guess when something is popular it has to be criticized by someone or something. Now, let me answer the questions for class. I think that ideas are spread more freely through the use of networks. Technology has changed the process because now more people can be reached at a faster rate, as a result of social networks. People are able to communicate their thoughts, beliefs and ideas to groups of people which include friends, relatives, and strangers with the power to comment. I think it makes connections within and beyond a particular group a benefit when it comes to communication. An implication for teaching is that teachers must explain how to identify the real and factual from the fictitious and the ridiculous. Teachers also have to realize how this new technology can enhance the concept of literacy. As in the article by Knobel teachers need to learn how students' willingness to spend hours with multimedia memes can enhance reading and writing skills. The time spent with memes, blogs, e-mail, journals and fan fiction are not a waste of time. They all increase literacy skills.

Cuts

Today I found out that our district will have job cuts for next Sept. Has anyone else heard this news? Where are the jobs going to be? I am not tenured and so I am a bit worried. The principal said that this is the worst she has seen it in her 30 years working in this district. I guess I should send my resume out. Does anyone have an idea of where I should look?

Looking for Ideas

I wanted to know where all of you get ideas for lesson plans. I need to find out information on second grade ideas for literacy lessons. Let me know anything would be helpful.

Hopkin green frog

It was a lost toy frog given by McDonald's to a 16 year old child with autism. The boy created a flyer and it was posted in his neighborhood and somehow it was posted on the virtual world. The funny thing is that the family no longer wants anything to do with the toy and the boy has lost interest too. But everyone else is still talking about, including us. That's funny how the world can become so little after all.

READ

When I read I like to be in a comfortable area like in my bed or the couch. I have to read in a quiet area away from all distractions like my child, husband, tv, and the computer. I enjoy reading because I can imagine the story in my own mind. I like reading because it can take you to another world without leaving physically. Reading is an interactive activity in which I can control what the characters look like and what the setting and background of the story will be.

I provide children with comfortable areas in which to "read". I model to them what they should do like how to hold the book, how to turn the pages and to pay attention to the text in the story along with the illustrations. I let them handle and touch the books. I let the children choose books by their particular interest by providing them the freedom to explore the books in a variety of bins. I provide children the opportunity to experience the book by role playing, using felt boards, and having them listen to the story during read aloud.

Technology may change this by providing programs that read to children on a variety of websites. Children may use the written language on the internet to create their own stories. Although with them being so young they still need being read to because they are not able to read by themselves because of their developmental stages. Modeling to reading is critical to be introduced to the concept of reading.

I don't think technology can replace a story being read by an adult especially a parent. Reading to children creates a love of reading because they connect it to the memory of spending time with a parent and creating a connection to the story. Overall, I think that technology can enhance the reading experience.

Class trip

I asked one parent, a hair stylist, if we could go to her shop on a class trip. She said yes and so we will be taking the walk and maybe the children will be more knowledgeable about the activities that take place at a beauty shop. It was funny because my student was in shock when he saw me at his mom's job. He didn't move or talk for the first 20 minutes, not even to his mom. He couldn't believe I was there even though his mom told him I would be going there. It was so funny and cute at the same time. They make it worth it. It makes me happy to make a connection with the family and the children outside from school.

I went to a birthday party of one of my girls, she just kept smiling and bringing me her toys. She talked about my visit to her home for weeks. She told all her friends how I had gone to her house. This led to great conversations about her home life. I would do it again and recommend it to others.

Matrix

I saw the movie and thought it was a bit scary because I started to think it could happen. What if we were being controlled and used as batteries and weren't aware of it. Not knowing what is the true reality can be very confusing. What can you belief if everything around you is created artificially. Although the world is becoming one that is surrounded by a virtual world which exists through the use of technology. People can have a variety of identities through the internet, because they can become the person they wish to be. They can create that imagenary character within themselves that can be like Neo. A person that can become the savior of the true and real world. People could have the power to create a better version of themselves by creating a virtual personality.

I searched the websites and found all types of information about the Matrix movies. It is unbelievable the quantity of information that can be found about a subject. Detailed information about the characters, who directed it, as well as the advertisements that were used to push the sale of these movies. The different ways that a movie can influence such as video game and comic concepts.

Dr. Seuss Day

The children had an active day. We had guest readers, a mother with her two youngest children and a grandma. The two boys were so proud of their family members. They talked about our guests the whole day. Dr. Seuss' books were very popular for our Lending Library. I'm glad because we are starting a contest dealing with the amount of books read at home. We didn't do so great for Feb. I want us to do better for March because we could win that Pizza party. Parents will be reminded about reading to their children.

At home we had lots of fun cleaning up after it flooded with the rain. We do not live in a flood area but since the in ground pool was removed we have had this problem. Rain always wins!